Hulk: If the Brazil fans had supported us we would have scored more goals

By Tom Webber

The 26-year-old scored the winning goal in a disjointed performance from the Selecao against South Africa and voiced his disappointment at the crowd's treatment of the players

Hulk has declared that Brazil would have been able to score more goals if the supporters had been on their side throughout their 1-0 friendly win over South Africa in Sao Paulo on Friday.

With the team greeted by boos and calls for Mano Menezes' head after a disappointing first half, the Zenit St Petersburg striker came off the bench to net the winner in the Selecao's first home fixture in over a year.

However, disapproving jeers rang around the Morumbi at full time and the 26-year-old expressed his view that had the supporters not been so harsh, the team could have played better.

"I think that if the fans had been on our side from the beginning of the match, we would have scored more goals," Hulk told SporTV after the game.

"Those of us who play in big teams are already accustomed to the pressure of the crowd.

"The fans should support us more, but that is normal. There are days when things do not go your way.

"It was good to debut for the Selecao in Brazil on the right foot, with the win and a goal. The whole group is to be congratulated."

Hulk's sentiments were echoed by powerful center back Dede, who admitted that the Canarinho did not get the kind of reception they had been expecting.

"We were hoping for more cheers from the crowd. Unfortunately, it was not the way we wanted. But now we will think about the next game," he said.

But goalkeeper Diego Alves remained upbeat, having kept a clean sheet, and insisted that the result will provide a positive building block going forwards.

"I prefer to go step by step. This match was good to give us confidence. That confidence does not come overnight.

"It is very difficult to play against a team that plays much further back, but everything worked out."

The Brazil squad will hope for an improved atmosphere when they take on China in Recife on Monday evening.